Playing mind games

I like playing mind games. I really enjoy trying stuff out on people, just to see how they react. I'm not qualified to do this of course, and I have no scientific framework to apply to make my outcome scientifically or statistically valid.

I do however have a good feeling at the end of the "experiment". This is my way of enjoying the "cause and effect" phenomenon.

If I am messing with your head, don't worry about it. Indulge me instead.

I'll give you an example. This was a really interesting "experiment".

I bought something recently from a shop near where I live, an over-the-door hook for my bathroom door. When I got home it didn't fit. So I put it back in the box, dug out the receipt and headed back to the shop.

As I was approaching the shop I had this mad idea. I thought to myself "how can I make it impossible for me to get what I want here today?". I quickly swapped perspectives and thought about the person who would see me walk up with the bag. I thought about the idiot customer with the idiot problem and the lame excuse. I found myself thinking "now what does this idiot want?"

So, I played a psychological trick, if trick is the right word. Let's just say that I set the scene for a win-win situation. I aimed for the "no arguing" option.

I walked in and there was a queue of people, 2 or 3 in front of me. They were served pretty quickly so I was up next. The lady behind the counter, very pleasant indeed, beckoned me to the counter with a "next please".

I stepped up. Out of my mouth it came.

"I'm in a bit of trouble here."

What did she say? How did she react? Well one of the amazing things seems to be that human beings in a one-to-one situation (not a Kitty Genovese situation) where one person expresses a need for help jump at the chance to help. It seems to be our nature. People like to help people who need help. So I asked her for help with my spot of trouble and she didn't fail me.

Further, she was straight in there with the solution. "Would you like a refund?" You bet! I was out of there in 2 minutes and we were all happy.

Maybe this is a bad example, maybe I got someone on a good day. Maybe, but I've tried it again since and the exact same result happened, this time I really was asking for a stretch favour by returning something to a shop that it was not bought at (same chain, different location).

So, this kind of stuff fascinates me. How to help people to get into a really positive and optimal state of mind. This seems to work for me. I tell people I really could use their help and they jump right to attention and help me out. This is brilliant and the way people should help each other in my view.

Ok enough on that.

Today in the office loads of Finnish people are proud of their slightly mental but highly entertaining win in the Eurovision Song Contest at the weekend. I admit I watched it, though on the computer since my oldest son was watching CHiPs again.

And finally, kudos to Al for putting up some wonderful pictures of the restaurant where he works. It was brilliant to see all the faces behind the stories he's been telling. You're my new Number 1 this week mate!